There’s something undeniably magical about the first bite of a Strawberry Shortcake Bar. Imagine juicy strawberries bursting with sweetness, nestled between layers of soft, buttery cake and fluffy whipped cream. Each mouthful is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that dance together like they’re at a summer soirée, leaving you wanting more.

These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic in the park, a backyard barbecue, or just because you want to treat yourself on a Tuesday. I remember the first time I made these delicious bars; I had friends over for movie night, and they vanished faster than popcorn during an action scene.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Strawberry Shortcake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a favorite for bakers of all levels
- The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make for an eye-catching dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings
- Versatile enough to swap out strawberries for other fruits if desired, they cater to various tastes while maintaining that classic shortcake charm
I served these bars at a family gathering once, and the smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless. My cousin even tried to sneak one home in his pocket!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe berries with no blemishes for maximum sweetness; they’re the star of this dessert!
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All-Purpose Flour: Basic yet essential for creating that light and fluffy texture in your shortcake.
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Sugar: Use granulated sugar to sweeten both the strawberry filling and the shortcake itself.
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Baking Powder: This helps the shortcake rise beautifully; don’t skip it!
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Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter for rich flavor; it will make your bars taste gourmet.
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Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess or substitute with almond milk if you want a dairy-free version.
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Heavy Whipping Cream: Whip this up into clouds of deliciousness to top your bars; it’s worth every calorie!
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to both the cake and whipped cream, enhancing everything.
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Powdered Sugar: This gives your whipped cream a lovely sweetness without being overly granular.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. The mixture should smell slightly sweet as you mix it.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar while mixing until it becomes light and fluffy—about 3 minutes of vigorous mixing will do wonders!
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated; it’ll look smooth and inviting!
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be gentle here; we want those air bubbles intact for fluffiness!
Bake Bars: Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top—a toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
Create Strawberry Filling: While your bars cool down, slice up fresh strawberries and mix them in a bowl with some sugar. Let them sit so they release their juices—it’s like strawberry magic happening right before your eyes!
Whip Cream: In another bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form; this should take around 3-5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell delightful!
Assemble Bars: Once cooled completely, cut your shortcake into squares. Layer each square with strawberries and dollops of whipped cream—stack ’em high if you’re feeling adventurous!
Now you’ve got yourself some incredible Strawberry Shortcake Bars that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—or thirds!
Enjoy indulging in these delightful treats that are sure to bring smiles all around!
You Must Know
- The secret to perfect Strawberry Shortcake Bars lies in using fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor
- Ensure your shortcake base is not too crumbly; it should hold together yet be light
- This dessert is best enjoyed chilled for a refreshing treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the shortcake base first, allowing it to cool while you slice the strawberries. Layer them with whipped cream just before serving for optimal freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can also add vanilla extract to the whipped cream for an extra flavor kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover strawberry shortcake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Do not freeze, as the texture may change significantly.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a sharp knife to slice strawberries evenly; this ensures they look beautiful when layered
- Mix whipped cream gently to maintain its airy texture
- Always taste your strawberries; if they’re tart, add a sprinkle of sugar before layering
Sometimes, I whip these up for summer barbecues, and guests rave about how delicious they are! It’s always a joy to see smiles over dessert.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake Bars?
Using frozen strawberries is possible but fresh ones yield better flavor and texture.
How long do Strawberry Shortcake Bars last in the fridge?
They can last up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Is there a gluten-free version of Strawberry Shortcake Bars?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.

Strawberry Shortcake Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing taste of Strawberry Shortcake Bars, where juicy strawberries meet soft cake and fluffy whipped cream, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, these bars are a favorite for summer picnics, barbecues, or simply treating yourself. With layers of flavor and texture, each bite is a celebration of sweetness that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar in a mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While cooling, mix sliced strawberries with a bit of sugar and let sit to release juices.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Once cooled, cut shortcake into squares and layer with strawberries and whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (75g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg